44
And do not assume from these words that it is anger that moves me, because I could not feel that way toward you. To those who are wronged, however, it brings a certain relief to tell their sorrows, just as it relieves those in pain to moan, because toward you I feel as much goodwill as I would pray you might have toward me. I have made this plain in everything and shall continue to do so,
45
for I have been resolved from the beginning that it is the duty of every man in public life, if only he be a fair-minded citizen, so to feel toward all his fellow-citizens as children ought to feel toward their parents, and, while praying that he may find them perfectly reasonable, yet to bear with them in a spirit of kindliness as they areThis advice for children was possibly a commonplace. It is voiced by Epicurus, Vatican Collection 62.; because defeat under such circumstances is judged among right-minded men to be an honorable and befitting victory. Farewell.
On the Slanderous Attacks of Theramenes
1
This letter is not cited in ancient authorities and there is less likelihood of its being genuine Demosthenes to the Council and the Assembly sends greeting.